| Bartolomeo | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bartolomeo |
| Series | One Piece |
| Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
| Species | Human |
| Affiliation | Bartolomeo Pirates, Revolutionary Army (ally status debated) |
| Debut | Weekly Shōnen Jump chapter 656 (manga) |
| Occupation | Pirate, arena spectator, later participant in the Corrida Colosseum incidents |
Bartolomeo
Bartolomeo is a fictional pirate character in the manga and anime series One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. Introduced during the Dressrosa arc of One Piece, he became notable for his extreme fan devotion to the Straw Hat Pirates and his powerful barrier-based abilities derived from a Devil Fruit. His role highlights themes of loyalty, order through strength, and the disruptive influence of charismatic pirate figures in the New World.
Bartolomeo first appears as a prominent combatant and spectator in the Corrida Colosseum on Dressrosa, competing for the Mera Mera no Mi and later becoming an ally to the Straw Hat Pirates. He quickly gained attention within the story and among readers for his outspoken admiration of Monkey D. Luffy and his defiant stance toward established powers such as the Donquixote Family and the World Government. His presence contributes to shifts in power during the Dressrosa conflict and the wider struggle against oppressive pirate and political forces like Donquixote Doflamingo and the Celestial Dragons.
Bartolomeo is characterized by a distinctive punk-inspired appearance: shaved sides, tall mohawk, facial piercings, and heavy leather clothing, reflecting a confrontational and individualistic persona reminiscent of volatile yankee aesthetics. He displays extreme loyalty and reverence toward Straw Hat members, especially Monkey D. Luffy, often publicly professing fandom that borders on religious zeal. Despite abrasive language and a ruthless streak against enemies, he adheres to a personal code that values strength, protection of allies, and disruption of corrupt authority—aligning him with conservative themes of order enforced by capable leadership. His demeanor contrasts with pragmatic figures like Roronoa Zoro and enthusiastic companions such as Usopp.
Bartolomeo is a user of the Barrier-Barrier Fruit (known in Japanese as Bari Bari no Mi), a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to create nearly impenetrable energy barriers. These barriers can be formed into shields, domes, platforms, and offensive constructs; they can also repel or reflect attacks and trap opponents. Bartolomeo's application of the fruit evolved during the series to include large-scale defensive measures capable of protecting groups, as seen during the Punk Hazard and Dressrosa events. He combines his Devil Fruit with tactical awareness and crew coordination, working alongside allies like Sai and Cavendish during the Revolutionary War era clashes. His powers put him in conflict with heavy hitters such as Donquixote Doflamingo and later attract attention from Admiral-level threat assessments within the World Government.
During the Dressrosa arc, Bartolomeo enters the Corrida Colosseum tournament to secure the Mera Mera no Mi, the former fruit of Portgas D. Ace, which had great symbolic value to Monkey D. Luffy and his allies. He fights several opponents and later assists the Straw Hat Grand Fleet and allied pirates in the uprising against the Donquixote Family regime led by Donquixote Doflamingo. Bartolomeo's barrier abilities are pivotal in rescuing civilians and shielding allies from exploitation and lethal attacks orchestrated by Sugar and Pica. His public declarations of support for Luffy undermine Doflamingo's propaganda and contribute to the coalition that includes factions such as the Tontatta Kingdom and the Riku Family.
Bartolomeo leads the Bartolomeo Pirates, a crew whose activities are largely centered around supporting Bartolomeo's personal mission of defending his ideals and idols. He becomes an informal member and influential element of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet after the events of Dressrosa, aligning him with allied commanders such as Belo Betty, Hajrudin, and Don Sai. Bartolomeo's idolization of Monkey D. Luffy creates both camaraderie and strategic partnership with the Straw Hat Pirates, including interactions with Sanji, Nami, and Franky. His antagonistic history with the Donquixote Family situates him against figures like Trebol and Vergo, while his notoriety draws attention from the World Government and Marine forces monitoring emerging pirate coalitions.
Bartolomeo's notable feats include using his barriers to block powerful offensive abilities from the likes of Donquixote Doflamingo, protecting crowds during the collapse of Dressrosa's tyrannical regime, and participating in coordinated attacks alongside the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. He has demonstrated the ability to shield entire ships and form defensive bulwarks during assaults, making him essential during large-scale confrontations. In the Marineford aftermath and subsequent confrontations in the New World, his name and actions contribute to maintaining the stability of allied enclaves and preserving civilian lives against predatory pirate forces. His reputation for fanatical loyalty has also served to intimidate minor pirate crews and rally support among freed populations like the Tontatta Tribe.
Bartolomeo's emergence emphasizes the influence a single charismatic pirate can exert on regional balance, popular morale, and the web of alliances opposing hegemonic powers like the World Government and the Yonko-level crews. By formalizing his relationship with the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, he helped institutionalize a decentralized coalition that bolstered Monkey D. Luffy's symbolic authority across the New World. His barrier abilities introduced new tactical paradigms for defense in pirate warfare, prompting rival captains and Marines to reassess engagement rules. Culturally, Bartolomeo's fandom-driven persona affected how in-universe populations perceive hero figures, echoing broader themes of unity and order under a respected leader, and leaving a legacy recognized by allied kingdoms and liberated peoples across islands touched by the Dressrosa conflict, including Dressrosa, Rosia, and others.
Category:One Piece characters Category:Fictional pirates